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The World Cup Promised $3.8 Billion — Here's What Canada Actually Got

       Monday July 13, 2026 FIFA promised Canada a $3.8-billion economic windfall for hosting the 2026 World Cup. Two weeks into play in Toronto, the receipts tell a very different story — and there's a lesson in it for anyone thinking a "big event" boost is coming to their city, their rental property, or their business. The Billion-Dollar Bill Came First Before a single ball was kicked, Canadian taxpayers were already on the hook. According to the Parliamentary Budget Office, governments across the country will spend roughly $1.07 billion hosting the 2026 tournament. Toronto alone budgeted $380 million to host six matches at BMO Field. British Columbia's tab for Vancouver's seven matches at BC Place came in even higher, at about $578 million. Ottawa is chipping in $473 million of that total — including $220 million in direct grants to Toronto and B.C., plus another $145 million earmarked for security costs during the tournament. Net of federal help, Toronto and B...

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Netanyahu Announces Hostage Release Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict


In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that a deal has been reached to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. This agreement comes after intense negotiations and is expected to bring relief to many families who have been waiting for the safe return of their loved ones.

The deal, which is set to be implemented in phases, will see the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, in the first six-week phase. In exchange, Israel will release Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails. The total number of Palestinians released could range between 990 and 1,650, depending on the number of hostages freed.

The ceasefire agreement, which accompanies the hostage release deal, aims to halt the fighting that has devastated Gaza, killed over 46,000 people, and displaced most of the enclave's population. Despite the agreement, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, causing further casualties.

Netanyahu's announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While many see it as a necessary step towards peace, hardliners in Netanyahu's coalition have opposed the deal, viewing it as a capitulation to Hamas. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have threatened to resign if the deal is approved.

The Israeli cabinet is expected to give final approval to the deal, with the first hostages set to be released on Sunday. This development marks a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict and could potentially ease hostilities in the region.


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